Hand pain can occur for a variety of reasons, such as from an injury or from overuse. Although some forms of hand pain are short term and will resolve without any medical intervention, persistent or reoccurring hand pain may be a sign of an underlying medical condition or injury that requires the expertise of a specialist hand doctor.
A hand doctor is an orthopedic physician who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders and injuries of the hand. They have a profound understanding of the complex network of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up the hand and fingers and can effectively treat patients experiencing problems with mobility and movement as well as those with chronic pain.
Hand Injuries
Injuries can occur as a result of damage to any of the structures within the hand, leading to pain, inflammation, bruising, and other symptoms. Common causes of hand injuries include a direct blow to the hand or fingers, landing on your hand during a fall, jamming a finger, or bending the fingers or wrist too far backwards. Common injuries include: mallet finger, hand nerve injury, fractures such as boxer’s fracture, extensor and flexor tendon injuries, and hand dislocations.
Other injuries are caused by repetitive movements or overuse of the hand, such as playing racquet sports, long periods of typing or using a computer mouse, using hand tools, or lifting heavy items. Overuse injuries can cause damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves and lead to pain, weakness, and reduced mobility. Tendonitis, DeQuervain’s tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are common overuse injuries.
Medical Conditions
Arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness within joints. There are two common forms of arthritis that affect the hands.
Osteoarthritis affects the protective cartilage that covers the end of bones, causing it to gradually break down and wear away. Loss of the protective cartilage lining can cause painful bone on bone rubbing. Other symptoms include immobility, swelling, stiffness, and the formation of boney growths in the affected area.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to hand deformities and loss of function. Healthy synovium (the protective membrane that covers joints) secretes a lubricant called synovial fluid, which acts as a cushion between the joints and ligaments to reduce friction and prevent “wear and tear.” Rheumatoid arthritis causes the synovium to become inflamed.
When to See A Hand Doctor
If you have severe, persistent, or reoccurring pain in your hand or wrist, contact a hand doctor. Some signs you need to visit a hand doctor are:
- Your symptoms don’t improve with rest and ice therapy
- You experience pain or discomfort, even while resting the hand
- You have a reduced range of motion in the hand, wrist, or fingers
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the hand gets worse
- You experience tingling or numbness regularly in your hands
- Normal, everyday activities like brushing your hair or preparing meals are causing pain or becoming difficult
Some symptoms can indicate a serious condition, such as a fracture or dislocation, and require urgent medical treatment. This can include severe pain, inflammation and bruising around a joint, an obvious deformity, and an inability to move the hand, wrist, or fingers normally.
Expert Hand Care in Maryland
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our team of hand experts have a profound understanding of the complex structures of the hand. Our hand surgeons are able to diagnose and treat a multitude of hand and finger conditions and injuries.
For more information about the services we offer, or to make an appointment, call us today at (410) 296-6232 or request an appointment online.
